SEATTLE - Thursday, May 6 is "Law Day" in Washington, an annual observance of the needs and reasons for laws. This year, it is also the kickoff date for a two-week food drive by those who practice law, organized by the Washington State Association for Justice (WSJ). Law firms across the state have agreed to be drop-off sites for food donations.

Their goal is to gather enough for at least 50,000 meals, which will be given to Northwest Harvest. Attorney Betsylew Miale-Gix, chair of the "Fight for Justice, Fight Against Hunger" drive, says people often seek legal advice when they're in serious financial trouble and don't know where else to turn. So, their lawyers know just how common hunger has become.

"We see how they're struggling in some cases, with their homes being foreclosed on; with losing their jobs, whether it's due to their injuries or the economic circumstances, and trying to figure out how to pay for basic needs. And one of those basic needs is food."

Miale-Gix says working to resolve consumer and employment cases is important, but legal advice is not the only thing clients sometimes need.

"The Washington State Association for Justice figures that it doesn't do us any good to take care of their legal needs if they're hungry, and the kids can't study in class because they're hungry, and the parents are out there, desperate. There's something we need to do about that, also."

According to its website, Northwest Harvest already buys white rice and beans in bulk, but offers a list of other food items to donate. Baby diapers also are needed.

Food will be collected through May 20. More information and a list of statewide drop-off sites are online at www.northwestharvest.org or www.washingtonjustice.org.

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